Your child is now three to five years old – and chances are, you’re hearing and seeing more and more language development as your child grows. Find out what you should be looking for at this age.
Talking, writing, reading, and listening – these are all essential parts of your child's literacy development. As your child grows, watch for these milestones:
Takes part in rhyming games and songs
Understands that books tell a story
Understands opposites (big-little, up-down, etc.)
Follows two-step directions (“Go to the kitchen and get the book”)
Asks “Why?”
Other people generally understand the words being said, especially by those who know your child well
Points out familiar signs and other items
Uses pronouns like I, you, he, and she
Knows some letters of the alphabet
Understands and uses new words quickly
Has a word for almost everything he needs in his daily life
Puts three to four words together,like "I want water.”
Likes listening to you reading books, and can answer basic questions and talk about what happened in the story
Uses words for positions or locations of things (in, on, under, etc.)
Says sentences with multiple actions (“You slide and swing at the park!”)
Engages in conversation
Tells a short story
If your preschooler is not demonstrating these milestones and/or you have concerns about your child’s development, contact your pediatrician.
